New Testament Survey

The Synoptic Problem

The Synoptic Problem

Matthew, Mark, and Luke are
referred to as the “Synoptic” Gospels. This term means “seeing
together” or “having a common view.” The reason for
this description is that each presents much of the same material as the
others. The approach of each writer, although to a different audience
and for a different purpose, is much the same. A reading of John’s
Gospel will show why it is viewed differently from the other three.

Since the three Gospels are
similar, scholars over the ages have developed a long winded discussion
usually referred to as the “Synoptic problem.” It should be
noted that much of the “research” arises from those who, at
best, can be labeled skeptics. The issue reduces itself to a simple question.
If the authors are all writing about the same Person and the same events,
why are there differences in the presentations? What sources did they
use to provide the details of the individual presentations? The discussions
all assume some type of literary dependence between Matthew, Mark, and
Luke.

Several “solutions”
have been proposed.

Oral tradition;

The existence of a source
document not part of the Scriptures, commonly referred to as “Q”;

The existence of two or more
source documents, either in place of or in addition to Q;

The “Mark” theory,
namely that Mark was first. Matthew drew from Mark and Luke drew from
Mark.

The “Matthew”
theory, that Matthew wrote first and both Mark and Luke drew from his
materials independently.

Combinations of many of these
theories.

Before one worries too much
about this problem, one must first reflect upon the reasons behind each
Gospel. Then one must remember that each was written by or at the hand
of an apostle. Lastly, one must remember that the Holy Spirit guided each
writer. When viewed in this perspective, the seeming problems slowly dissolve
and disappear.

A COMPARISON
OF THE FOUR GOSPELS

A Comparison of the Four Gospels

COMPARISONS

MATTHEW

MARK

LUKE

JOHN

Christ viewed as

King

Servant

Man

God

Written to

Jews

Romans

Greeks

Church

Number of chapters

28

16

24

21

Unique Material

42%

7%

59%

92%

OT Quotes

53

36

25

20

Is there a reason to
worry about the “differences” in a given account in
the Gospels?